You put on a brave face and expose your heart and soul, hoping for connection while fearing rejection.

It is a feeling known to both lovers and artists which will be on display in the upcoming exhibit “Love/Hate” at the Lana Santorelli Gallery in Hoboken.

Director Bess Sobota said the show explores the fine line between the two emotions.

“There’s so much passion involved in love that something can set it off and flip the switch so you begin to hate,” she said. “All artists have to be passionate about what they’re doing and when you have that kind of investment, there’s always a level of frustration that can easily creep up and make things a little crazy.”

Sobota said one of the standout pieces is gallery newcomer ÂÂEugene Do’s “Gong (Infinity)” which is made up of photos with body parts painted black or white and shows the cycle of life. “He’s very interested in exploring the human experiences we all have like birth, death, life and love,” said Sobota, who noted that everyone - not just those highly knowledgeable about art - will appreciate the exhibit. She added that with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, many will have love - or the lack of it - on their minds. Gallery favorite Lubomir Tomaszewski’s sculpture “My Broken Heart” presents a dramatic, theatrical representation of emotional extremes.

“His pieces are very passionate, dramatic and melancholy. This piece is in the middle - it’s not joyful love or horrible hate. Sometimes both of those things can be found in broken-heartedness,” said Sobota.

The show’s nine artists look at a broad spectrum of emotions and attitudes. Patricia Fabian’s “Encountering Susan” - which was inspired by a crowd’s chatter behind the artist as she was painting in a gallery demonstration - shows figures scrutinizing an unseen subject with an eerie sense of detachment. On the other hand, Liz Blum’s “Coquette” - a dream-like, sensual photograph - shows a lighter side of love.

Sobota said she expects each artists’ passion for life, love and art to shine through their work. “Artists are very passionate people,” said Sobota. “Sometimes, that’s why they can be their worst critic and not give themselves enough credit.”

For some, Sobota said, putting one’s art on the line is as difficult as doing the same for one’s heart.

“I think the desire to connect specifically through the arts is very, very strong,” she said. “Vulnerability is crucial. You can’t fall in love or let yourself be loved unless you are vulnerable, which is something that happens to all of us in life and is part of art-making process.”

“Love/Hate” opens tomorrow with a reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The show closes on March 18 and is on display at the Lana Santorelli Gallery, 628 Washington St., Hoboken. For more information, visit LanaSantorelli.com.